DOVER — The COAST bus made its usual stop at Shaw's on Central Avenue on Saturday, but it wasn't there to give people a ride. It's passengers were boxes upon boxes of donated food.

The 2nd annual Stuff a Bus food drive was held in front of Shaw's from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Food was donated from Shaw's and sent to Gerry's Food Pantry in Rochester.

Kim Bickford, of Strafford, began the food drive when she saw Gerry's Food Pantry doing an interview on WMUR last year. She connected with their story having previously been a client at a food pantry.

“I've had to use the food pantry before myself,” Bickford said. “I'm doing well now, but there was a time when I had to use the food pantry. If it wasn't there I don't know where I would have been.”

Bickford, a COAST bus operator, asked the organization for a bus for the event and was surprised when they donated a bus and fuel.

“It's worked out great,” Bickford said. “It's something that I'm glad I got involved. It's good that one person can start something, but it can kick off from there and motivate other people to help.”

Shaw's workers put together food bags with products that would be vital for Gerry's Food Pantry. People could purchase $5 and $10 pre-made food bags and bring them to the COAST bus. They could also donate cash that would go directly toward a food bag.

Workers were excited to help the food pantry according to Manager Mike Katz. He spoke about how Shaw's enjoys getting involved with events like Stuff a Bus.

“We jumped right on it,” Katz added. “We thought it was a great idea. We love getting involved in community events, especially anything with a food drive. I'm very happy to be part of it.”

Bickford said the food drive had a good outpouring of people coming out to support them. She liked seeing kids walking on the bus with their donations.

“We've had a good turnout,” Bickford said. “It's great to see parents bring their kids. It's a good trait to show your kids.”

Gerry's Food Pantry Coordinator Jandee Lawler said their pantry has been its busiest due to the rough economy.

“With the economy there's so many people in need of assistance,” Lawler said. “We've seen a slow increase. This type of event helps keep our shelves full.”

Lawler added the pantry usually has basic food items including peanut butter and tomato sauce, but they haven't been able to keep up with the increasing demand. She believed the number of donations they had received would get them through Spring.

Lawler said Bickford had successfully created a strong event with the Stuff a Bus food drive.

“We're very proud of her for what she has done,” Lawler said. “Hopefully it keeps growing and growing.”

Katz said the community put in a solid effort to support Stuff a Bus.

“Our customers have really stepped up over the last couple weeks,” he said.

Bickford said they already improved upon last year's food drive, only three hours after they opened.

“We're almost at what we drove out of here after being here nine hours last year,” Bickford said. “I'm worried we may have to bring in a second bus.”